SMC Term — Zone
What is POI?
Point of Interest
POI — Point of Interest
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A Point of Interest (POI) is any zone on the chart where price is likely to react significantly. This includes Order Blocks, Fair Value Gaps, previous highs/lows, liquidity pools, IFVG zones, and equilibrium levels. POIs are the areas where Smart Money traders plan their entries, exits, and stop losses. Not all POIs are equal — those that align with multiple confluence factors are the strongest.
How to Trade POI
Mark POIs on your chart before the trading session: identify all OBs, FVGs, SSL/BSL levels, and key swing points. During the session, watch for price approaching a POI. The more confluence at a POI (e.g., FVG + OB + OTE zone + session open), the higher the probability of a reaction. Only trade POIs that align with the higher timeframe trend direction.
Real Example — XAUUSD
Example: You identify a bullish OB at 3280, a FVG at 3285–3290, and a previous high (BSL) at 3300. All three are POIs. The cluster of OB + FVG between 3280–3290 is the strongest POI because multiple factors converge there — high probability long entry zone.
Related SMC Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Point of Interest (POI) in SMC trading?
A Point of Interest is any price zone where a significant market reaction is expected. In Smart Money Concepts, POIs include Order Blocks, Fair Value Gaps, liquidity levels (SSL/BSL), IFVGs, and key swing highs/lows. Traders premark these zones and wait for price to reach them before entering.
How do you prioritize POIs?
Prioritize POIs by confluence. A zone where an Order Block, Fair Value Gap, and OTE Fibonacci level all align is a tier-1 POI. A lone FVG with no other confluence is a tier-3 POI. Also prioritize POIs on higher timeframes (H4, Daily) over lower timeframe POIs, and POIs aligned with the HTF trend direction.
What invalidates a POI?
A POI is invalidated when price breaks through it with a strong candle and closes beyond it. A bullish OB that is broken to the downside is no longer valid as support — it may flip to a Breaker Block. Always reassess your POI map when structure breaks.
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